A topological model for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) has recently been proposed. This model stipulates that wrapping of the promoter DNA around RNAPII and the general initiation factors TBP, TFIIB, TFIIE, TFIIF and TFIIH induces a torsional strain in the DNA double helix that facilitates strand separation and open complex formation. In this report, we show that TFIIA, ...

ERCC2/XPD, is one of the core genes involved in transcriptioncoupled NER pathway (a fundamental defense mechanism against the carcinogenic effects of sunlight and certain genetic defects in the DNA repair pathways); and its functional polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of different types of cancers. The present investigation includes Lys751Gln & Asp312Asn polymorphisms in a case-cont...

DNA sequences capable of forming triplexes are prevalent in the human genome and have been found to be intrinsically mutagenic. Consequently, a balance between DNA repair and apoptosis is critical to counteract their effect on genomic integrity. Using triplex-forming oligonucleotides to synthetically create altered helical distortions, we have determined that pro-apoptotic pathways are activate...

Common polymorphism in DNA repair genes may alter protein function and an individual's capacity to repair damaged DNA; deficits in repair capacity may lead to genetic instability and carcinogenesis. In present work we investigated the association between XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism and breast cancer progression. The polymorphism was analysed in breast cancer patients (n = 92) in blood. Blood sam...

Accessory gland proteins (ACPs) are important reproductive proteins produced by the male accessory glands (MAGs) of most insect species. These proteins are essential for male insect fertility, and are transferred alongside semen to females during copulation. ACPs are poorly characterized in Glossina species (tsetse fly), the principal vector of the parasite that causes life-threatening Human Af...

BACKGROUND Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is the biologically active form of vitamin B(6). Clinical studies suggest that low PLP concentrations are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and other diseases. However, PLP concentrations are not routinely diagnosed because of the lack of a homogeneous, nonradioactive assay. We describe a homogeneous, nonradioactive, enzymatic PLP assay that u...

The evolution in the management of gliomas will require a new understanding of the factors that predispose patients to develop gliomas. Much of the past literature has involved a questionnaire-type strategy to accumulate data regarding previous exposures to various environmental factors. However, the field of epidemiology has evolved into a molecular based approach that assesses the exposure of...